Search

Extreme climatic events (ECEs) can have profound impacts on individual fitness, affecting survival directly or indirectly. Late winter ECEs may be especially detrimental to fitness due to limited food resources and increased energetic requirements during this time. A polar vortex disruption ECE descended upon the mid-continental United States during February 7–20, 2021 with temperatures as low as −29°C in areas concurrent with ongoing research on Anas platyrhynchos (Mallard) movement ecology and survival in Arkansas, Louisiana, and Tennessee, United States spanning winters 2019–2022. Therefore, we opportunistically evaluated the effects of individual characteristics and latitude on daily survival during the ECE. We extended the survival analysis to March to test for lasting effects of the ECE on survival. We tracked 181 Global Positioning System (GPS)-marked A. platyrhynchos during February 2020, 256 in February 2021, and 324 in February 2022. We documented 22 mortalities during the February 2021 ECE (i.e. 9%), but only 6 mortalities during February 2020 (i.e. 2%) and 2022 (i.e. 1%) when conditions were average. February survival (e.g. 28-day survival) during the ECE was 0.908 (85% CI: 0.879–0.937) but was 0.982 (85% CI: 0.973–0.991) during the 2 non-ECE Februaries. The ECE effect on survival was isolated to February and did not affect March survival. Anas platyrhynchos was 5.4 times more likely to die during the ECE in 2021 compared to non-ECE Februaries. Although large-bodied waterfowl appear cold-tolerant and less sensitive to polar vortex disruptions compared to smaller-bodied passerines, direct mortalities can occur if conditions are severe enough and persist, highlighting the need to consider the influence of ECEs on common, seemingly robust species in future global climate change scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Sabuco Revista de Estudios Albacetenses is the property of Instituto de Estudios Albacetenses and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Sabuco Revista de Estudios Albacetenses is the property of Instituto de Estudios Albacetenses and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The Laguna del Caney in the Municipality of Chinácota, Norte de Santander, Colombia, is a place frequently visited by different species of birds, especially some ducks and herons. It’s due the birds find food and a place to rest and reproduce. However, the community of birds that visit this lagoon is unknown. Thus, both bird diversity and its community structure were determined through a rapid sampling of direct observation. The specific diversity of bird species was obtained, this was 19, which are grouped into 9 orders and 13 families. The most common species was Dendrocygna autumnalis (38%), followed by Jacana jacana (17%) and Columbina talpacoti (10%). In addition, the Shannon diversity was found to be 8.59, and the Simpson diversity was 5.11. Also, for the first time, the duck species Anas andium (3%) is reported in a lagoon located at an altitude of 1000 m.a.s.l. In Colombia. Currently, the factors that may be influenced the behavior of the species are unknown, so this work opens the door to new ecological research on this species of waterfowl. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Ornitologia Colombiana is the property of Asociacion Colombiana de Ornitologia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

[Introducción]: Los humedales someros son relevantes para las aves acuáticas, actualmente son afectados por el cambio climático y las actividades humanas, esto se ha relacionado con brotes de botulismo aviar. [Objetivo]: Identificar cambios bióticos y fisicoquímicos en los humedales que podrían propiciar brotes de botulismo. Identificar fuentes de nutrientes que contribuyen a un estado eutrófico. [Metodología]: Evaluación de características bioticas (diversidad de zooplancton y macroinvertebrados) y fisicoquímicas (oxígeno disuelto, temperatura, solidos disueltos totales y transparencia) en 3 humedales (Trancas, Coyote y Silva) del centro de México. Identificación de la fuente de nutrientes mediante un análisis isotópico (δ13C y δ15N) de los organismos acuáticos. [Resultados]: Después de la época de lluvias hubo una disminución en la diversidad de zooplancton e invertebrados, así como disminución del nivel y transparencia del agua en los sitios estudiados. Los valores de oxígeno disuelto, temperatura y sólidos disueltos totales fueron diferentes en los 3 sitios. Los valores de los isótopos estables de carbono (δ13C) y nitrógeno (δ15N) de los organismos de Silva y Coyote, coinciden con valores de aguas negras, fertilizantes, maíz y trigo. [Conclusión]: Los humedales estudiados registraron cambios bióticos y fisicoquímicos a lo largo del periodo de estudio. En Silva y Coyote las fluctuaciones en el nivel del agua, las actividades humanas y la llegada de miles de aves acuáticas migratorias provocan una acumulación de materia orgánica en descomposición y nutrientes que vuelven a estos sitios eutróficos y propensos a tener brotes recurrentes de botulismo aviar.

The Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) is critical to avian conservation in the United States, both through its protection of migratory birds and as a catalyst for a century of coordinated avian conservation. While more than 1,000 species are protected by MBTA, of extant bird species native to the continental U.S., only 20 species belonging to the order Galliformes are explicitly excluded. Management of galliforms has occurred largely without direct federal oversight, placing this group on a fundamentally different conservation path during the century following MBTA passage. In this paper, we review the historical context and biological justification for exclusion of galliforms from MBTA and synthesize how their present-day conservation differs from that of migratory birds. We find the most prominent difference between the two groups involves the scope of coordination among stakeholders. The U.S. government, primarily via the Department of Interior, acts as de facto coordinating body for migratory bird conservation and plays the central role in oversight, funding, and administration of management in the United States. In contrast, galliform management falls primarily to individual state wildlife agencies, and coordinated conservation efforts have been more ad hoc and unevenly spread across species. Migratory birds benefit from an almost universally greater scope of research and monitoring, scale of habitat conservation, and sophistication of harvest management compared with galliforms. Galliform harvest management plans, in particular, are less likely to use measurable objectives, reporting of uncertainty in population parameters, and explanation of harvest management techniques. Based on a review of species status lists (e.g., the U.S. Endangered Species Act), we found no evidence that galliforms were more frequently listed than migratory species. Regional trend estimates from the North American Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) were more likely to be negative for galliforms over the period 1966-2015, but this was primarily driven by Northern Bobwhite (Colinus virginianus). Data to assess galliform population status are generally poor, which complicates assessment for roughly half of galliform species. Increased support for coordination among state agencies and other stakeholders, similar to that applied to migratory birds, could help to ensure that galliform conservation is poised to tackle forthcoming challenges associated with global change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Sabuco Revista de Estudios Albacetenses is the property of Instituto de Estudios Albacetenses and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revista de la Universidad del Valle de Guatemala is the property of Universidad del Valle de Guatemala and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revista de Toxicología is the property of Asociacion Espanola de Toxicologia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

RESUMEN En este estudio se describe el ensamble de aves del humedal de Trumao y su variación estacional según régimen hidrológico durante primavera 2017 y verano 2018 (no inundado) e inviernos 2017 y 2018 (inundado) y se evalúa el tipo de hábitat. Se registraron 29 especies de aves con una abundancia total de 2,341 individuos. El número total de especies acumuladas observadas para el período inundado y no inundado correspondió a 16 y 22 especies, respectivamente, siendo Chroicocephalus maculipennis (Lichtenstein, 1823) (Gaviota cáhuil) la especie dominante durante el período de estudio. El índice de similitud de Sorensen entre los períodos de inundación y no inundación del humedal fue de 73.2%, mientras que la similitud de Bray-Curtis resultó en un 32.65%. Al compararse el periodo invernal inundado (4 m profundidad) y el periodo estival no inundado (1 m profundidad), el índice de diversidad registró diferencias estadísticamente significativas, en cambio, la abundancia no presentó diferencias significativas. El análisis SIMPER arrojó que entre el periodo invernal inundado y el periodo estival no inundado las especies que mostraron un mayor porcentaje de disimilitud en su abundancia entre estas temporadas fueron la Gaviota cáhuil y Loro choroy [Enicognathus leptorhynchus (King, 1831)]. El uso de hábitat en el humedal de Trumao, por parte de las aves, fue altamente variable, tanto estacional como espacialmente, resultado esperable para este tipo de ecosistemas. Finalmente, nuestros resultados nos indican que las aves ocupan los humedales según fluctuaciones estacionales y según el hábitat que se encuentre disponible, sin embargo, la abundancia no se ve afectada por los cambios hidrológicos. Con estos resultados es fundamental seguir realizando más investigaciones en el humedal para determinar el uso (nidificación, alimentación, reproducción) que realizan las aves en los distintos hábitats para de esta manera generar medidas de protección y conservación para la gestión del humedal de Trumao.

Copyright of Iheringia. Série Zoologia is the property of Fundacao Zoobotanica do Rio Grande do Sul and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The Mottled Duck (Anas fulvigula) is a range-restricted species endemic to the western Gulf Coast states and peninsular Florida. As a year-round resident, it relies on coastal marsh and nearby upland habitat during the breeding season. All previous breeding research on Mottled Ducks has observed them nesting in upland habitat such as prairie, rice fields, pastures, levees, dredge-spoil islands, or dry marsh. Here, we report on the first documented cases of overwater nesting for this species. We located 2 transmitter-marked Mottled Ducks nesting in freshwater marsh on an elevated platform constructed of cutgrass, with a water depth >10 cm surrounding the nest. Existing conservation and management plans for nesting Mottled Ducks emphasize protection of upland habitat, but our results suggest that broadening the scope of habitat types assumed to be suitable for nesting Mottled Ducks may be warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neotropical amphibians play important roles as preys and predators in freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems. The subfamily Pseudinae includes small and medium-sized frogs within three genera representing 13 valid species. Most published records of predation on Pseudinae frogs are anecdotic and scarce. Herein, we provide five new reports of predation and presenting a detailed literature review on Pseudinae predation, with 15 studies published between 1983-2017. Pseudinae species were preyed at both day and night by a wide variety of predators, principally birds. Adults were preyed upon more frequently than juveniles and tadpoles. In the present study, most predators were diurnal, with birds accounting for most records. A variety of invertebrates prey on anurans, but water bugs and spiders are the most common ones. In the present study, water bugs comprised 75% of the Pseudinae predation records by invertebrates. However, anuran predation by invertebrates remains poorly documented. Thus, the description of new cases of predation accompanied by a review of the data available in the literature is crucial to understanding Neotropical food webs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Variabilidad de los microsatélites de la cigüeña americana Mycteria americana (Aves, Ciconiidae) en Cuba: implicaciones para su conservación Mycteria americana (Aves, Ciconiidae) es la única especie de cigüeña distribuida en el Caribe. En Cuba se considera residente permanente, pero rara, y solo se conocen dos colonias reproductivamente activas. En este trabajo se emplearon cinco loci de microsatélites para caracterizar genéticamente a 37 individuos de esas colonias, localizadas en dos de los más importantes humedales de Cuba: la ciénaga de Zapata y el archipiélago Sabana–Camagüey. Se observó una baja variabilidad en los índices de variabilidad genética, cuyos valores fueron similares a los referidos para las poblaciones de la especie en Norteamérica y Suramérica, y poca diferenciación genética entre las colonias que, sin embargo, era significativa. Nuestros resultados destacan la necesidad de mejorar la planificación del manejo y la conservación de la especie en Cuba debido a que la combinación de la baja variación genética, el pequeño tamaño de las colonias, la influencia humana y los factores climáticos podrían amenazar su persistencia.

El estero El Salado es un cuerpo costero único en la región de Bahía de Banderas, México, que se encuentra sometido a la fuerte presión del crecimiento urbano de la ciudad de Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco. Su evaluación como hábitat para la avifauna acuática puede contribuir al establecimiento de las bases técnicas para la toma de decisiones acertadas en el diseño de estrategias de conservación y explotación de sus hábitats. Con este fin, de junio de 1996 a mayo de 1997, se realizó una visita mensual al estero. En cada visita se realizaron dos transectos de 250 m de largo, de la boca a la cabeza del estero, de acuerdo al método modificado del censo de transecto en banda. Se determinaron 28 especies de aves acuáticas y se contabilizaron 1,304 individuos. De acuerdo con su presencia a lo largo del año, se registraron 16 especies residentes, 11 residentes de invierno y una migratoria. Los resultados ponen de manifiesto la importancia de la zona como espacio de sustentación alimenticia, de descanso y de anidación para aves acuáticas temporales y residentes.

Copyright of Ardeola is the property of Sociedad Espanola de Ornitologia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The purpose of this investigation was to carry out the first inventory of helminths collected from waterfowl (n=52) of the family Anatidae. This work took place in wetland Atlangatepec, Tlaxcala. Helminths were collected from the digestive tract and the respiratory system of waterfowl donated by hunters. Collected parasites were processed using conventional fixation and staining techniques for the identification of helminth. Twenty-one taxa of helminth swere identified as follow: seven trematodes (Cotylurus cornutus, Australapatemon burti, Zygocotyle lunata, Notocotylus seineti, Typhlocoelum sisowi, Echinostoma sp. and Echinoparyphium recurvatum), four cestodes (Hymenolepis sp, Cloacotaenia megalops, Choanotaenia infundibulum and Fimbriaria fasciolaris), eight nematodes (Amidostomum sp., Streptocara sp., Epomidiostomum uncinatum, Syphaciella sp., Capillaria sp., Tetrameres fissispina, Tetrameres sp. and Echinuria uncinata) and two Acanthocephala (Pseudocorynosoma constritum and Polimorphus sp.). It is relevant to highlight that this is the first report of Syphaciella sp. in waterfowl in Mexico. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lagoon of Zumpango has become an urban wetland with a high degree of alteration that threatens its biodiversity. This lagoon is one of the last ecological relicts of the Basin of Mexico, home to a great variety of wetland birds, including some that breed in the lagoon. In this study we describe some aspects of the breeding biology of birds from the family Anatidae that reproduce in the lagoon of Zumpango. We registered five species that breed there: the Fulvous Whistling-Duck (Dendrocygna bicolor) the Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos diazi), the Cinnamon Teal (Anas cyanoptera), the Ruddy Duck (Oxyura jamaicensis) and also one species that was considered before as a winter visitor: the Gadwall (Anas strepera). The breeding season in 2015 started in February and endend in September. We describe the nesting substrate, clutch size for three of the species and hatching success for one. The main causes of reproductive failure were nest abandonment, the loss of clutch and egg infertility. We also report for the first time cooperative breeding in the Ruddy Duck. The lagoon of Zumpango is a fundamental habitat for the reproduction of wetland birds like ducks, whose nesting success is affected as a result of the continiuous habitat transformation and perturbation. It is necessary to implement actions that reduce bird and nest disturbance during the breeding season, as well as to maintain nesting sites.

I recorded the Least Grebe (Tachybaptus dominicus) for the first time in the state of Zacatecas on March 2012. Since then I have observed this species in different sites within the municipality of Nochistlán de Mejía, southwestern Zacatecas. Additionally, in May, July, September, and October 2014 four breeding sites were located in artificial ponds, one of them with a nest with three eggs. Artificial ponds, locally known as “bordos”, are important habitat not only for the Least Grebe, which is at the category of special concern according to the Mexican law NOM-059-SEMARNAT-2010, but also for other resident and migratory waterbirds such as ducks. Even when the Least Grebe has been recorded in the states of Aguascalientes and Jalisco, there is no information for the state of Zacatecas. In this paper, I report information about records, breeding sites, and behavior of this species in the municipality of Nochistlán de Mejía.

Registramos la presencia y abundancia de aves, así como el hábitat y temporalidad de la reproducción de especies en las islas Pájaros, Venados, Lobos, Hermano Norte y Hermano Sur, ubicadas en la bahía de Mazatlán. Realizamos siete recorridos entre noviembre de 2014 y mayo de 2015; además contábamos con información colectada en mayo de 2004. Observamos un total de 59 especies de aves, de las cuales 15 fueron reproductoras: Dendrocygna autumnalis (pijije ala blanca), Phaethon aethereus (rabijunco pico rojo), Sula leucogaster (bobo café), Pelecanus occidentalis (pelícano café), Ardea herodias (garza morena), Ardea alba (garza blanca), Egretta thula (garza pie dorado), Bubulcus ibis (garza ganadera), Nycticorax nycticorax (pedrete corona negra), Nyctanassa violacea (pedrete corona clara), Eudocimus albus (ibis blanco), Coragyps atratus (zopilote común), Haematopus palliatus (ostrero americano), Larus heermanni (gaviota ploma) y Falco peregrinus (halcón peregrino). Para P. aethereus y S. leucogaster no había reportes previos de reproducción en estas islas; además, confirmamos la anidación de L. hermanni. La isla Pájaros fue la que albergó el mayor número de especies reproductoras (10 especies). Pelecanus occidentalis fue la especie más abundante con un total de 1 559 individuos, seguido de Fregata magnificens (fragata magnífica) y Sula nebouxii (bobo pata azul) con 1 526 y 1 100 individuos, respectivamente; aunque para estas dos últimas especies no hubo registros de reproducción. Las islas se encuentran bajo protección, pero se requiere realizar monitoreos para establecer el estado y tendencias de las poblaciones de aves, así como los efectos de las perturbaciones por actividades humanas y por las especies introducidas.

La teledetección es una herramienta emergente en ecología, pero de uso limitado en países neotropicales. En este estudio probamos la relación entre las variables de las comunidades de aves y variables espectrales en un humedal de Cuba. Determinamos la composición y estructura de la ornitofauna en tres localidades del Gran Humedal del Norte de Ciego de Ávila y su relación con las variables espectrales. Realizamos 78 transectos y determinamos la abundancia relativa, riqueza, el índice de Brillouin, de Simpson y la composición en gremios. Sobre una imagen satelital del Landsat 7 medimos los índices de humedad, verdor, diversidad de arbustos vivos, índice normalizado de diferencia de agua y ndvi. Realizamos análisis multivariados para estimar la similitud entre formaciones vegetales a partir de variables comunitarias y espectrales. Para probar si existía correlación entre las variables realizamos una prueba de Mantel y una correlación entre los valores del primer componente de los Análisis de Componentes Principales a partir de las variables comunitarias y espectrales. Contabilizamos 1,298 aves pertenecientes a 73 especies, 33 familias y14 órdenes. Cada formación vegetal tuvo una combinación propia de sus índices espectrales. La vegetación costera se diferenció del resto de las formaciones vegetales, y la demás vegetación tuvo superposición. No encontramos una relación significativa entre las variables comunitarias de las aves y espectrales. Esto puede deberse a una selección de índices poco informativos. Aun así, el método puede ser eficiente como complemento para el monitoreo de la biodiversidad y válido como recurso metodológico con fines de conservación.

Oaxaca hosts one of the greatest biodiversity in México, occupying first place in avian diversity compared to other regions of the country. However, the area is undergoing serious problems such as high deforestation rates, soil erosion and over exploitation and extinction of species. These factors have all contributed to the current loss of biodiversity. Also, biological inventories are still incomplete. One of the least explored sites is the semiarid zone of Tehuantepec isthmus, around the locality of Santa Maria del Mar, Oaxaca, México. The area includes floodable grasslands, mangrove areas and dry forest, providing a range of potential habitats for different species. Our objective was to evaluate the effect of temporal lakes on spatial and temporal composition of the avifauna in Santa Maria del Mar, in order to generate information regarding this group within the region and the state, and to understand the importance of flood areas for resident and transitory birds. We conducted 12 avifauna surveys between July 2006 and June 2008, and established two transects of 2km length in each of four habitat types (beach, grassland, dry forest, and mangrove). We found a total of 75 species, corresponding to 16 orders and 30 families. Within an area of 26km², we significantly found 10.1% of the total number of bird species recorded for the entire state, and 6.6% of the total reported in Mexico. The families most represented were: Ardeidae, Laridae and Scolopacidae. Over the entire study period, dry forest was the most diverse habitat; followed by mangrove, grassland and the beach. Of all the species recorded, 38.6% were found at the edge or in the temporal lakes. We found a significant difference in species composition between seasons in the grassland, but no difference in the other habitats. Our results showed a significant effect of temporary lakes on avian diversity during the wet season; it also demonstrated the importance of grassland conservation given its relevance for presence of waterbirds. We suggested a continued and more intense monitoring; and proposed the designation of the area as an important Conservation Bird Area (AiCA).

Copyright of Huitzil: Journal of Mexican Ornithology / Revue d'Ornithologie Mexicaine is the property of Sociedad para el Estudio y Conservacion de las Aves en Mexico and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

I recorded the Least Grebe (Tachybaptus dominicus) for the first time in the state of Zacatecas on March 2012. Since then I have observed this species in different sites within the municipality of Nochistlán de Mejía, southwestern Zacatecas. Additionally, in May, July, September, and October 2014 four breeding sites were located in artificial ponds, one of them with a nest with three eggs. Artificial ponds, locally known as "bordos", are important habitat not only for the Least Grebe, which is at the category of special concern according to the Mexican law nom-059-semarnat-2010, but also for other resident and migratory waterbirds such as ducks. Even when the Least Grebe has been recorded in the states of Aguascalientes and Jalisco, there is no information for the state of Zacatecas. In this paper, I report information about records, breeding sites, and behavior of this species in the municipality of Nochistlán de Mejía. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Caribbean Ornithology is the property of Society for the Conservation & Study of Caribbean Birds and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Zeledonia is the property of Asociacion Ornitologica de Costa Rica and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

La espátula rosada (Platalea ajaja) es una visitante sumamente rara en la Península de Baja California, pero aún más en la zona de Bahía de La Paz, Baja California Sur. Para algunos autores, esta ave es considerada como una visitante esporádica de verano en la región del Delta del Río Colorado y visitante ocasional de California. La espátula rosada se registró por primera vez en diciembre de 1992 en los esteros de Chametla-Centenario, 8 km al suroeste de la Paz. El 25 de mayo de 2012, después de 20 años de su primer registro en esta zona, registramos la presencia de 5 individuos del primero y segundo año. Durante 58 días monitoreamos la actividad de estas aves en el estero de Bahía de la Paz. De acuerdo con la literatura, estas aves pueden provenir de las costas del sur de Sonora y norte de Sinaloa.

Se estudió la dieta de Syrigma sibilatrix (n=19) en la isla Carabajal (31°39’ S y 60°42’ O) desde 1999 hasta 2003. El espectro trófico resultó integrado por 14 entidades taxonómicas de la fracción animal. El índice de diversidad trófica de Brillouin varió entre 0,23 - 2,15. Los valores del índice de importancia relativa fueron: insectos = 10780, arácnidos y crustáceos= 1800 y vertebrados= 1750. La mayoría de las presas estuvieron representadas por organismos comprendidos en los intervalos 0-20 mm (45%) y 21-40 mm (35%). Los valores de la amplitud del nicho trófi­co por estación fueron de 1,98 en primavera, 2,34 en verano, 2,21 en otoño y 1,99 en invierno mientras que los valores estandarizados fueron de 0,075 en primavera, 0,10 en verano, 0,09 en otoño y de 0,076 en invierno. La eficiencia alimentaria fue de 96,01% en primavera, 98,3% en verano, 89,9% en otoño y 92,34% en invierno. No se encontró evidencia de selectividad dietaria. El mayor porcentaje de uso de hábitat (69%) correspondió a la unidad ambiental de pastizal. En conclusión, los resultados indicaron que en la planicie de inundación del río Paraná medio, S. sibilatrix tiene una dieta basada principalmente en insectos que obtiene principalmente en la unidad ambiental de pastizal

Reportamos dos observaciones visuales del ibis blanco (Eudocimus albus) de la Laguna de Los Coyotes, un afluente natural del manantial la Media Luna que se localiza en el municipio de Rioverde, San Luis Potosí, México. Los avistamientos ocurrieron en septiembre de 2011 y febrero de 2012. Este es el primer reporte de la presencia de esta ave en dicha localidad, y es importante porque la especie ha sido escasamente encontrada en ambientes no ribereños del Altiplano Mexicano.

Se realizó un inventario y se calcularon los parámetros de infección de los helmintos gastrointestinales de 36 ejemplares de aves acuáticas pertenecientes a las familias Anatidae, Rallidae y Threskiornithidae, procedentes de la subcuenca alta del río Lerma, Estado de México, identificándose 20 especies: 9 tremátodos, 8 céstodos, 2 nemátodos y 1 acantocéfalo. De las 8 especies de céstodos, 6 son registros nuevos para el país y Pseudocorynosoma constrictum se registra por primera vez en Anas crecca, Anas discors, Oxyura jamaicensis y Fulica americana. Los helmintos que presentaron las prevalencias más altas fueron los céstodos Hymenolepis megalops y Sobolevicanthus krabbeella en Anas acuta, Anas clypeata, Anas cyanoptera y Anas crecca.A survey of helminth parasites in 36 waterfowl species from the upper Lerma River, in central Mexico was conducted. A total of 20 helminth species were recorded, including 9 trematodes, 8 cestodes, 2 nematodes and 1 acanthocephalan. Six of the cestode species are recorded for the fisrt time from Mexican birds; the acanthocephalan Pseudocorynosoma constrictum is reported for the first time in Anas crecca, A. discors, Oxyura jamaicensis and Fulica americana. The highest prevalences were recorded for the cestodes Hymenolepis megalops and Sobolevicanthus krabbeella in Anas acuta, A. clypeata, A. cyanoptera and A. crecca.

La zona central de Chile se caracteriza por ser un ambiente de tipo mediterráneo con marcada estacionalidad climática. En esta zona de gran actividad agrícola existen tranques artificiales destinados al regadío, los cuales pueden generar ambientes que constituyen hábitats alternativos para el desarrollo y nidificación de aves acuáticas. A pesar de la existencia de datos censales en este tipo de tranques, no se han realizado trabajos que aborden la estacionalidad climática como un factor implicado en la variación temporal de la abundancia y del ensamble ornitológico. En este trabajo, se estudiaron los cambios temporales de las comunidades de aves en dos tipos de tranques en la Región Metropolitana (33° 29' S - 70° 54' W): un tranque de tipo estacional con régimen pluvial, que se seca durante la época estival y otro que se alimenta en forma controlada de aguas servidas. Sólo en el ambiente de régimen pluvial se observó variación estacional de la abundancia, la que se correlacionó positivamente con el índice de aridez mensual de Martonne. Por otra parte, en el ambiente de régimen controlado se registró sólo una tendencia en el aumento de la abundancia en el periodo estival, sin un incremento significativo. Además, se observaron en los dos tipos de tranques cambios estacionales en la composición de los ensambles, variación numérica de ciertas poblaciones y dispersión de aves entre tranques cercanos por efectos de desecación estival. Finalmente, se discute la importancia de los tranques de régimen controlado (e.g. plantas de tratamiento o tranques de aguas servidas) como hábitats estivales opcionales durante el proceso de desecación de sitios estacionales.Central Chile is characterized by a Mediterranean type environment with a strong climatic seasonality. In this zone of high agricultural activity there are artificial ponds intended for irrigation which can generate environments that constitute alternative habitats for development and nesting of waterbirds. Despite the existence of census data in these types of ponds, there are no studies addressing climatic seasonality as a factor which could influence temporal variability and abundance of the ornithological population. With this purpose, we studied temporal changes of the bird community in two types of ponds in the metropolitan region (33° 29' S - 70° 54' W): a seasonal-type pond with pluvial regime that dries during summer season, and a managed pond, with permanent wastewater flow. In the pond with pluvial regime we observed a seasonal variation in the abundance of birds, which correlates positively with the Martonne's aridity index. On the other hand, the abundance remained relatively constant in the controlled environment, registering a non significant increase of the abundance during the summer season. Moreover, we observed in the two types of ponds; seasonal changes in the composition of the assemblage, numeric variation of certain populations and dispersion of birds between near ponds by the effects of summer desiccation. Finally, we discuss the importance of the controlled regime pond (e.g. water treatment plants or wastewater pond) as optional summer habitats during the desiccation process of seasonal sites.

Copyright of Revista de Toxicología is the property of Asociacion Espanola de Toxicologia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Laguna Cuyutlán, the only large wetland in a span of 1 150 km along the Pacific coast of México, has been neglected as to its importance for waterbird conservation. At least 25 waterbird species nest there, with some of their colonies being very relevant, and at least 61 waterbird species use the lagoon during their nonbreeding season. This lagoon has been subject to several structural modifications, including levees and artificial channels which connect it to the sea, while water supply from continental sources has diminished, although its role has not been assessed yet. Salt extraction and artisanal fishery, the main economic activities, do not seem to pose a threat to waterbirds. Among potential threats to this acquatic ecosystem, are the raw sewage discharges that exist near urban areas, and pesticides from the surrounding agricultural lands might reach the lagoon. Seemingly, the most serious threat comes from waterway development in connection with a re-gasification plant to be built, and planned future port expansion, which could potentially increase water levels and alter important habitats for nesting and foraging. We recommend that: the area be declared an Important Bird Area; the development of the re-gasification plant and future port includes a levee to prevent alterations in water level in the remaining sections of the lagoon; supply of exogenous chemicals and waste products be prevented and monitored; alleged benefits from water interchange between the lagoon and the sea through artificial channels should be re-evaluated; and the role of fresh water supplies to the lagoon should be paid attention to. Rev. Biol. Trop. 57 (1-2): 1-12. Epub 2009 June 30.Laguna Cuyutlán, el único humedal grande a lo largo de 1 150 km del Pacífico mexicano, no ha sido considerado un ecosistema natural importante para la conservación de aves acuáticas. Cuando menos 25 especies de aves acuáticas anidan ahí, y al menos 61 especies de aves acuáticas la usan fuera de la temporada reproductiva. Esta laguna ha sufrido varias modificaciones estructurales, y el aporte de agua dulce ha disminuido, sin que se conozcan sus consecuencias. La extracción de sal y la pesca artesanal, las principales actividades económicas, no parecen ser riesgo para las aves acuáticas. Entre los riesgos potenciales, están las aguas negras cerca de zonas urbanas y los plaguicidas de zonas agrícolas colindantes. Aparentemente, el riesgo más serio deriva del desarrollo marítimo asociado con una planta regasificadora a construirse pronto, y del desarrollo portuario futuro, que podrían incrementar los niveles de agua en la laguna y alterar los hábitats de las aves acuáticas. Recomendamos que: el área se declare como AICA; el desarrollo futuro incluya un dique para prevenir alteraciones en el nivel del agua en el resto de la laguna; el aporte de sustancias agroquímicas y aguas negras se monitoree; se reevalúen los supuestos beneficios del intercambio de agua entre la laguna y el mar por medio de canales artificiales; y se investigue científicamente los aportes de agua dulce a la laguna.

Invasive exotic species of mammalian predators represent a major cause of vertebrate animal extinctions on islands, particularly those that lack native mammalian carnivores. In 2001, the American mink (Mustela vison) was recorded for the first time on Navarino Island, in the Cape Horn Biosphere Reserve (55° S) in Chile, representing the southernmost population of mink worldwide. In order to assess its potential impact on native fauna, we studied its diet on Navarino Island, as part of an integrative management program on invasive species. Over a three-year period (2005-2007) we collected 512 scats in semi-aquatic habitats: marine coasts, riparian and lake shores. Overall, the main prey was mammals (37 % biomass), and birds (36 %), followed by fish (24 %). Over the spring and summer, mink consumed significantly more birds, whereas mammals constituted the main prey over the autumn and winter when migratory birds had left the area. Among birds, the mink preyed mainly on adult Passeriformes, followed by Anseriformes and Pelecaniformes, caught as chicks. Among mammals, the exotic muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus) was the most important prey, and together with the native rodent Abrothrix xanthorhinus it accounted for 78 % of the biomass intake. For an integrated management of invasive exotic mammal species on Navarino Island and in the Cape Horn Biosphere Reserve it is important to further research interactions established here among the various introduced mammals, and to initiate immediate control of the mink population in its initial stage of invasion.Las especies exóticas de mamíferos carnívoros invasores constituyen una de las principales causas de extinciones de vertebrados en islas, particularmente en aquellas que carecen de predadores mamíferos nativos. En 2001, el visón norteamericano (Mustela vison) fue registrado por primera vez en Isla Navarino en la Reserva de Biosfera Cabo de Hornos (55° S) en Chile, representando la población de visones más austral del mundo. Para estudiar su impacto potencial sobre la fauna nativa, estimamos su dieta en Isla Navarino como parte de un programa de control de especies invasoras. Durante tres años (2005-2007) colectamos 512 fecas en diversos habitats semiacuáticos: costa marina, riberas de ríos y lagos. La dieta consistió principalmente en mamíferos (37 % biomasa), aves (36 %) y peces (24 %). Durante la primavera y el verano el visón consumió significativamente más aves, sin embargo los mamíferos constituyeron la presa principal durante el otoño y el invierno, cuando las aves migratorias han abandonado la region. La depredación sobre aves afectó principalmente a Passeriformes adultos, seguidos por Anseriformes y Pelecaniformes que fueron capturados como polluelos. Respecto a los mamíferos, un roedor exótico, la rata almizclera (Ondatra zibethicus), fue la presa principal y junto al roedor nativo Abrothrix xanthorhinus constituyó el 78 % de la biomasa de presas de mamíferos. Para un manejo integral de especies de mamíferos exóticos invasores en Isla Navarino y la Reserva de Biosfera Cabo de Hornos es importante desarrollar investigación sobre las interacciones entre los mamíferos introducidos e iniciar un control inmediato de la población de visones en su estado inicial de invasión.

Se registra la depredación de aves acuáticas por la nutria neotropical (L. longicaudis annectens) en el río Yaqui, Sonora. Se colectaron e identificaron 25 cráneos, porciones de esqueleto postcraneal y plumas de aves encontrados en los comederos de las nutrias; las especies identificadas fueron el cormorán neotropical (Phalacrocorax brasilianus) con 16 individuos, el pato de collar (Anas platyrhynchos diazi), 4 individuos; la garza blanca (Ardea alba), 3 individuos; el huaco de corona amarilla (Nyctanassa violacea) y el pelícano café (Pelecanus occidentalis), ambos con 1 individuo. En los peces se encontró la tilapia del género Oreochromis. Probablemente los hábitos alimenticios de esta especie responden a la estacionalidad y al consumo de presas más disponibles en el hábitat. Estos registros confirman que las nutrias de río son depredadores oportunistas cuya dieta tiene una amplio rango de uso de especies de los ambientes riparios, además dichos registros son una razón más para considerar la nutria neotropical como especie sombrilla para la conservación de ecosistemas completos, ya que su presencia es un indicador de alta disponibilidad energética y de alta biodiversidad.We report the predation of aquatic birds by neotropical river otters (L. longicaudis annectens) at Río Yaqui, Sonora. As many as 25 skulls, post-cranial skeletons and feathers were found at river otter feeding sites. The neotropical cormorant (Phalacrocorax brasilianus) was the most predated bird with 16 individuals, followed by Mexican mallard (Anas platyrhynchos diazi) with 4 individuals, great egret (Ardea alba) with 3 individuals, yellow-crowned night-heron (Nyctanassa violacea), and brown pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis), both with 1 individual. With respect to fish, the tilapia Oreochromis, was the only species found in scats. Neotropical river otter feeding habits were associated with food availability at different seasons of the year. These records show that neotropical river otters are opportunistic predators, that use a wide range of species from riparian habitats. These records also support the idea that neotropical river otters should be considered as an umbrella species for the preservation of whole ecosystems given that their presence is an indicator of high energetic availability and high biodiversity.

Para probar la hipótesis que la heterogeneidad espacial determina la diversidad de aves acuáticas en un humedal costero, comparamos la densidad, diversidad y composición de especies de aves acuáticas entre habitats y otras unidades de paisaje del complejo Bahía Magdalena-Almejas, Baja California Sur, México. Se realizaron censos de aves acuáticas en 329 segmentos de habitat de la línea de costa interna del complejo lagunar, desde febrero 2002 hasta febrero 2003. La densidad de aves fue mayor en invierno y otoño en las tres lagunas del área de estudio; de las zonas, la densidad fue mayor en la costa insular; y de los habitats en playa arenosa y dunas pero en los pocos segmentos de sustrato antrópico la densidad fue alta. La diversidad fue significativamente mayor en otoño; en Canal Santo Domingo; en la costa peninsular; y de los habitats en manglar-dunas y manglar. La modificación del habitat natural costero y el disturbio por tránsito de embarcaciones no tuvieron influencia en la densidad o diversidad de aves acuáticas, pero la riqueza acumulada mayor ocurrió en las costas bien conservadas y sin disturbio. El análisis de la composición de especies mostró diferencias entre las asociaciones de Canal Santo Domingo y Bahía Magdalena. El ambiente pelágico y el manglar tuvieron diferencia mayor en la composición de especies con respecto a las asociaciones de los demás habitats, tales diferencias en elencos de especies por habitat sugieren que la comunidad de aves está estructurada de acuerdo a los recursos naturales disponibles de las lagunas, zonas y habitats, en relación con la complejidad estructural de las unidades de paisaje. Las condiciones ecológicas del complejo lagunar ocasionan que las aves acuáticas piscívoras sean el grupo dominante de esta comunidad.Community structure and association of waterbirds with spatial heterogeneity in the Bahía Magdalena-Almejas wetland complex, Baja California Sur, Mexico. To test the hypothesis that spatial heterogeneity determines waterbird diversity in a coastal wetland, we compared waterbird density, diversity, and species composition among various habitats and landscapes units in Bahía Magdalena-Almejas, Baja California Sur, Mexico. Based on diversity patterns and bird distribution, we assessed the effect of coastal development on the waterbird community structure. To gather information on habitat features and waterbird populations we conducted waterbird censuses in 329 habitat segments along the internal coastline of the study area, from February 2002 to February 2003. We performed non-parametric analyses to test the null hypothesis of no diference on waterbird density, and diversity among landscape units and seasons. The species composition was evaluated using ordination techniques. Waterbird density was higher in winter and autumn in the three lagoons of the study area, particularly in the insular coast, sandy beach and dunes; it was higher in the few segments of antropic sustrate. Diversity was significantly higher in mangrove habitat along the peninsular coast, and in mangrove-dunes association on the insular coast. Although modification of coastal natural habitat and boat transit disturbance had no influence on waterbird density or diversity, the highest richness of waterbirds occurred in well preserved areas. Species composition analysis showed differences between Santo Domingo Channel and Magdalena Bay. Pelagic and mangrove habitat had a species composition difference higher than those associations in other habitats. Such differences in species assemblages by habitat and landscape units suggest that communities are structured according to the range of available natural resources in structurally complex habitats, and that dominant piscivorous waterbird species were favored in this community. Rev. Biol. Trop. 56 (1): 371-389. Epub 2008 March 31.

Se determinó la composición taxonómica y la distribución espacial y temporal de aves acuáticas de las lagunas de oxidación (LO), de la ciudad de La Paz, Baja California Sur, México, durante 24 censos quincenales (abril/98marzo/99). Se trata de cinco lagunas, de cinco ha cada una y 17 ha de terrenos aledaños constantemente inundados que sirven como zona de alimentación para el ganado y las aves. Se observaron 123 especies de aves, de las cuales 75 fueron acuáticas. En total se realizaron 46 041 registros (promedio= 1 918 aves/censo). La riqueza y la abundancia estuvieron influenciadas por la migración, principalmente de anátidos y playeros, los primeros fueron el grupo más abundante, debido a su afinidad por cuerpos dulceacuícolas. Los terrenos aledaños fueron los preferidos por los patos vadeadores (Anas) y por los playeros. En contraste, dos de las especies más abundantes (Oxyura jamaicensis 12.5 % del total y Fulica americana 8.8 %), restringieron su presencia al espejo de agua. LO presentó un componente aviar propio y atípico, dada la aridez de la región.Distribution of aquatic birds in oxidation lagoons of La Paz city in South Baja California, Mexico. Taxonomic composition, spatial and temporal distribution of aquatic birds in oxidation lagoons (LO) of La Paz city in south Baja California, Mexico, were determined during 24 censuses realized in two-week intervals (April/98-March/99). There are five lagoons of 5 Ha each and 17 ha of terrains constantly flooded that serve as feeding areas for cattle and birds. One hundred twenty three species were observed, 75 of which were aquatic birds. A total of 46 041 observations were made (average 1 918 birds/census). Richness and abundance of aquatic birds were influenced mainly by migration of anatids and sandpipers. The first group had the greatest abundance due to its affinity towards fresh water bodies. The terrains were the favorite sites of dabbling ducks (Anas) and sandpipers. In contrast, two of the most abundant species (Oxyura jamaicensis, 12.5 % of all species, and Fulica americana, 8.8 %) restricted their presence to the oxidation lagoons. LO presented a bird structure of its own and atypical, according to the dryness of the region. Rev. Biol. Trop. 55 (2): 617-626. Epub 2007 June, 29.

We recorded the presence and abundance of birds, as well as the habitat and breeding temporality of species at Pajaros, Venados, Lobos, Hermano Norte and Hermano Sur islands, located in Mazatlan bay. We conducted seven surveys between November 2014 and May 2015, plus information collected during May 2004 and 2015 by walking on the study islands. We observed a total of 59 species of birds, of which 15 were breeding species: Dendrocygna autumnalis (Black-bellied Whistling-Duck), Phaethon aethereus (Red-billed Tropicbird), Sula leucogaster (Brown Booby), Pelecanus occidentalis (Brown Pelican), Ardea herodias (Great Blue Heron), Ardea alba (Great Egret), Egretta thula (Snowy Egret), Bubulcus ibis (Cattle Egret), Nycticorax nycticorax (Black-crowned Night-Heron), Nyctanassa violácea (Yellow-crowned Night-Heron), Eudocimus albus (White Ibis), Coragyps atratus (Black Vulture), Haematopus palliatus (American Oystercatcher), Larus hermanni (Heermann’s Gull) and Falco peregrinus (Peregrine Falcon). For P. aethereus and S. leucogaster there were not previous reports indicating breeding on these islands; also we confirmed the nesting of L. hermanni. Pájaros Island harbors the largest number of breeding species (10 species). Pelecanus occidentalis was the most abundant species with 1 559 individuals, followed by Fregata magnificens (Magnificent Frigatebird) and Sula nebouxii (Blue-footed Booby) with 1 526 and 1 100 individuals respectively, although for the last two species there were no records of their breeding. These islands are under federal protection, but a monitoring effort is required to know the status and trends of bird populations, and the effects of disturbances by human activities and by introduced species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Remote sensing is an emerging tool in ecology, but of limited use in Neotropical countries. In this study, we tested the relationship between both bird communities and spectral variables in a wetland of Cuba. We determined the composition and structure of the birdlife in three locations in the Gran Humedal del Norte de Ciego de Ávila and its relationship with the spectral variables. We performed 78 transects and determined the relative abundance, richness, Brillouin index, Simpson index, and guilds composition. On a Landsat 7 satellite image, we measured humidity levels, greenery, living bushes diversity, normalized difference water index and ndvi. We performed multivariate analysis to estimate similarity between vegetation classes from community and spectral variables. To test whether there was correlation between variables we performed a Mantel test and a correlation between the values of the first component of both Principal Component Analysis, from the community and spectral variables. We counted 1,298 birds belonging to 73 species, 14 orders and 33 families. Each plant formation had its own combination of spectral indices. The coastal vegetation differed from the rest of the vegetation and other vegetation had overlap. We found no significant relationship between the community and spectral variables. This may be due to a selection of uninformative indices. Still, the method could be efficient as a complement for biodiversity monitoring and valid as a methodological resource for conservation purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

En este trabajo se informa de manera sintética la composición de especies, distribución, estatus de conservación y algunos aspectos de la biología de las aves acuáticas de ambientes continentales de Chile. Esta avifauna está compuesta por un total de 133 especies, distribuidas en 69 géneros, 21 familias y 10 órdenes. El grupo representado por el mayor número de especies es el Orden Charadriiformes (51 especies), con una alta presencia en ambientes ecotonales estuarinos. En ambientes de aguas interiores el grupo con más especies es el Orden Anseriformes (29 especies). La distribución de la riqueza de especies se corresponde en términos generales con las tendencias de representación para cada Orden en Sudamérica. De acuerdo a esta revisión, una parte importante de los registros para Chile son esporádicos (28 especies) o visitantes regulares (13 especies), y sólo un 69% del total pueden ser consideradas como residentes de nuestra avifauna acuática. De acuerdo a los estados de conservación, un total de 25 especies es considerada en algún sistema de clasificación, de las cuales una especie, Numenius borealis o zarapito boreal, se considera extinta en todo su rango distribucional. Según los registros de los últimos 50 años, el pidén austral (Rallus antarcticus) es una especie extinta en la zona central de Chile, quedando sólo algunas poblaciones poco abundantes en el extremo sur del país y en el sur de Argentina. En Chile no existen especies de aves acuáticas endémicas. Sin embargo, al considerar como áreas de análisis las regiones biogeográficas clásicas de nuestro país, existen dos zonas con un alto número de especies exclusivas: en la ecorregión Desértica 9,1% del total nacional son endémicas de esa zona, mientras que la Tropical o Puna incluye un 7,6%. A pesar de que en las ecorregiones Mediterránea y Oceánica existe un alto número de especies, éstas muestran pocos taxa propios (3% y 2,3% respectivamente). Se discute la información entregada en torno a aspectos distribucionales, ecológicos y de los aspectos poco estudiados sobre las aves acuáticas chilenas.As an overview, this article presents the species composition, distributions, conservation status and some aspects of biology of aquatic birds from Chile. This avifauna is constituted by 133 species, sorted in 69 genera, 21 families and 10 orders. The group represented by the higher number of species is the Order Charadriiformes (51 species), with a high proportion of species inhabiting estuarine ecotones. In freshwater environments the group with the higher richness is the Order Anseriformes (29 species). The distribution of the species richness is concordant with the trends of representation for each Order in South America. According to this revision, great part of registers for Chile are sporadics (28 spp) or regular migrants (13 spp), and only the 69% of the total can be considered residents in Chile. According to the conservation status, a total of 25 species is considered in some system of classification, of which a species, Numenius borealis (esquimo curlew), is extinct. According to registries of lasts 50 years, the austral rail (Rallus antarcticus) is an extinct species in Central Chile, being represented by few populations in Southern Chile and Argentina. In Chile endemic species of aquatic birds do not exist. Nevertheless, when considering like analysis areas the Chilean ecoregions, exist two zones with a high number of exclusive species: the Desertica ecoregion with 9.1 % endemism, and Tropical or Puna with a 7.6% of endemic species. Although in the Mediterranea and Oceánica ecoregions exists a high number of species, these show few exclusive taxa (3% and 2.3% respectively). The distributional, ecological and poorly studied aspects on the Chilean aquatic birds are discussed.

Como parte de un estudio de la calidad ambiental de Lago de Tecocomulco, Hidalgo, México, fueron colectados los helmintos intestinales de 70 aves de cinco especies: Anas americana, Anas discors, Aythya valisineria, Gallinula chloropus y Fulica americana. Los intestinos de las aves fueron donados por los cazadores locales, transportadas al laboratorio y los helmintos fueron colectados, fijados en AFA y conservados en alcohol etílico (70%) hasta su tinción y montaje. Ocho especies de dos taxa de helmintos fueron encontrados: Digenea-Echinostoma revolutum, Zygocotyle lunata, Echinoparyphium recurvatum, Notocotylus pacifer, Apatemon gracilis, Pseudoapatemon sp.; y Acanthocephala-Polymorphus trochus y Pseudocorynosoma constrictum. Echinostomum revolutum tuvo la mayor prevalencia, abundancia e intensidad promedio en las 36 aves de la Familia Anatidae; una prevalencia de 40% fue encontrada en cada especie de ave de esta familia. Sin embargo, en F. americana (Rallidae), P. trochus tuvo la mayor prevalencia (58.6%), una abundancia de 2.0 y N. pacifer tuvo mayor intensidad promedio (4.3). Echinostomum revolutum y Ps. Constrictum se registran por segunda ocasión en Hidalgo; Z. lunata, N. pacifer, A. gracilis y P. trochus son nuevos registros para las aves en Hidalgo y Pseudoapatemon sp. es un nuevo registro para México. Es importante monitorear los parásitos de las aves acuáticas migratorias en Lago de Tecocomulco ya que sirven como indicadores de la calidad ambiental del lago.

The natural value of Zapata Swamp have been highly recognized, especially in relation to bird conservation, but few ornithological papers had been published, and most of them had been anecdotic or restricted to one area. The waterbirds assemblage have never been evaluated for a long period in Las Salinas for example, in spite of it is considered an outstanding birdwaching site. With the current development of ecoturism is important to have baseline information to be able to evaluate their impact and future management measures in the area. We studied the temporal variation in the aquatic bird assemblage in Las Salinas during 2012-2013 (7 months sampled by year) using an 8 km transect where we combined circular plots and transect lines were combined to make the surveys. We found 64 species mostly winter residents (44%). In 2012 we observed 62 species and 58 in the next year. The assemblage was very similar in both years for both indexes, Comunitary Coeficient and Proportional Similarity (S = 0,90). Anas discors, Fulica americana and Phoenicopterus ruber were the most common species during the study (>60 aves/km²). Species richness and abundance had similar variation pattern in both years but with different numerical values. The biggest populations were observed during the winter migration period. There were no differences in the assemblage structure between years (ANOSIM, R =0,019, p = 0,24). The knowledge of the occurrence of the waterbirds species and the stability found between years may contribute to more effective management and conservation measures and give the scientific bases to improve the quality and quantity of the information to be given through the ecotourism services offered in Las Salinas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors discuss the result of their study on the effect of phenology, habitat selection and seasonal changes in the breeding performance of the little grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis in northeast Algeria. No significant difference in egg volume but there was significant seasonal decline. Overal nesting success was 60% and nest failure was attributed to adverse weather and predation. Nests located further from the shore had better outcomes than those located in shallower water.

Nesting colonies represent key areas for the reproduction of the most characteristic and abundant waterbirds from the Colombian and Venezuelan flooded Llanos. During the rainy season of 2012 and the onset of the 2013 dry season, I located a colony in a ranch called Las Cadenas, located in the Casanare department. Eleven species were observed nesting, which places it as the most diverse of those described to date in the region of the Llanos. According to the owners of the property on which sits the colony, birds begin to nest with the arrival of rainfalls in April and leave the colony in November. Compared to other colonies described for the Colombian and Venezuelan Llanos and given its size (6,3 has) and the estimated number of nests, around 500, this colony can be considered small.

Wood Stork (Mycteria americana) is considered a rare and permanent resident bird in Cuba, with few studies on its ecology and particularly on its reproduction. The aim of this paper is the description of reproduction and habitat of wood stork colonies in Cayo Romano and Zapata Swamp, Cuba, in 2015 reproductive season. We describe two colonies, one at Fauna Refuge Correa in Cayo Romano, Camagüey and the other in the Faunal Refuge Las Salinas (Quitasol), in the Zapata Swamp, Matanzas, during February 2015. In Fauna Refuge Correa, 26 nests were found with 48 chicks, averaging 2.67 chicks per nest. These values were lower than those reported in that area in previous years, but higher than those founded in Quitasol colony, where we found only 8 nests and 16 chicks, averaging 2.09 chicks per nest. The mean height and diameter of the nests in Quitasol colony, of 2.3 m and 48 cm respectively, were lower than those observed in Correa (6.74 m and 56 cm), probably due to the smaller size of mangrove trees. Some environmental variables of the area of the colonies were measured, to get a first idea of the species spatial requirements for breeding. Distances from Correa colony to nearest village and road were 18,9 km and 2.00 km, respectively, while for Quitasol colony was lower (5.54 km and 2.72 km respectively). The temperature and average precipitation in the driest quarter were similar for both breeding areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article explores physiological and behavioural coping mechanisms of migratory waterbirds to environments with varying levels of salinity. Topics discussed include the evolution of birds that live in saline environments, seasonal changes that tend to influence salt intake of birds, and the osmotic challenges being faced by migratory shorebirds due to significant food intake rates and high salt loads.

The article discusses research which investigated population dynamics of the little egrets Egretta garzetta colony on Izaro Island in Northern Spain. Topics explored include the nesting and breeding behavior of little egrets on the study location, the modeling of colony growth rate and estimates of survival, and the recorded bird population during the winter season.